SADR CITY

Lectures

Public Presentations and Lectures

Zoriah has begun to devote a portion of each year to lecturing and presenting to universities, institutions and at political events. For universities, a typical itinerary consists of two days of presentations to multiple departments followed by a public, multi-departmental lecture. The presentations can be tailored in length and subject matter to each department and the multidepartmental lecture currently consist of a thirty minute slideshow showcasing recent work from Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, the Asian Earthquake and the Tsunami. The lecture touches on many subjects including the art of visual storytelling, the current state of the media and my own thoughts on documenting life in conflict.
Lectures can be tailored to the need of each individual organization, university or event.

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Each photo story that I bring to the world costs literally thousands of dollars to produce. While transportation to and from remote locations eats up the majority of my budget, I must also pay for food, accommodation, insurance and equipment such as body armor, cameras, lenses, photo storage and equipment maintenance costs.
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These photo stories depend on your support and funding. Without your donations these projects will live only in my dreams and not in reality, where the world can see them and be affected by them. If you enjoy seeing this work and believe in supporting truly independent photojournalism, please support it.
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The power of the still image to teach, affect and inspire change is truly amazing and people like you make it all possible. Every dollar counts!
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You can choose to make a one time donation, or set up recurring monthly payments. If you have not considered recurring monthly payments, these are a great way to fund ongoing projects without putting a strain on your pocketbook.
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Because documentary photography is my full time job, recurring payments provide a much needed monthly income and let me focus on the issues that are truly important, intead of what subjects will sell to the corporate media.
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Secure donations can be made below with PayPal. If you are not comfortable with online payments, please contact us for an address to mail a money order or cashiers check to

A RETURN TO BAGHDAD ER

Available Workshops: Location Tailored to Interest

Mexico:

Fossil Fuel Impact. Document car culture and its effects on the environment in one of the worlds most polluted cites, Mexico City.

Israel and Palestine:

Compare and contrast life in Jerusalem and life in the West Bank city or Ramallah.

Indonesia:

Child Drug Addicts. Photograph the lives of children addicted to inhalants.

Travel and Underwater Photography. Students produce a travel story with two to five days being underwater photography instruction by Zoriah and the master divers at Ocean Connections PADI Dive Shop. *students without a scuba diving license will complete a three day licensing course durning the beginning of the workshop.

Laos:

Shoestring Travel. Students travel through Laos and produce a story geared to budget minded travelers and backpackers
- Brazil: Amazonian Deforestation. Work in the Amazon Basin documenting the environmental impact of clear cutting.

Japan:

Technology and The Modern World. Explore the role of technology in our lives in one of the most advanced cities on planet earth. *Japan workshops have higher tuitions and higher living costs.

Turkey:

The New Face of The Refugee Crisis. Live in an urban jungle pupulated by refugees from around the world while documenting their lives...and your own.

Philippines:

Poverty's Environmental Impact: Work in urban slums to show the impact of poverty on the ocean and environment.

Lebanon:

Palestinian Refugees. Spend time photographing the lives of Palestinian refugees living in camps around the country.

Nicaraqua:

Shanty Towns. Documenting life in extreme poverty.

China:

Modernizing an Ancient Culture. Document how modernization and progress effect an ancient culture in the amazing city of Shanghai.

India:

Beggars life. Spend one week documenting the life of homeless or "untouchable" man or woman.

Pakistan and Kashmir:

Working in Extreme Conditions. This workshop is designed to give higher-level students a chance to experience work under adverse conditions.

Vietnam

Comparing urban and rural poverty. Students spend half the workshop photographing in Saigon and the other half in Chau Doc or another small village.

Cambodia

AIDS Orphans - live in an orphanage and document the lives of one or more children.

Biography

Zoriah is an award-winning photojournalist whose work has been featured in some of the world’s most prestigious galleries, museums and publications. Zoriah's clients have included The BBC, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, ABC News, NPR, Focus and many others. With a background in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Aid, Zoriah specializes in documenting human crises in developing countries. His vitae not only lists photographic achievements and study, but also the in-depth training and experience necessary for working under extreme conditions in some of the world's harshest environments

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April 16, 2018

Well, here is my once every other decade blog post. I promise I'll try to get better and thanks to all of you who have written to make sure I am still alive :)

For those of you in/near Chicago, I have a new exhibition that opened this past weekend and will run for five weeks. I believe this marks my seventh year with the lovely people at ZIA Gallery and this time we will be taking a break from the harsher photojournalism images and showing some "fine art" prints. Here is a tiny preview:

December 25, 2016

In the past fifteen years I have worked in 112 countries, often covering conflict, crisis and disasters. The majority of the countries I have worked in have been extremely poor and one thing that always amazes me is people’s ingenuity. Combine that ingenuity with the imagination of a child and you will often find that the poorer the country, the more interesting the children’s toys are.

While on a three year assignment for the Gapminder Organization I was given a chance to explore how people live. The assignment was fascinating and you can read more about it and explore it in depth by visiting the links below, but here is a quick summary of what it was about. Working from statistics I would travel to the world's poorest countries and identify families that were living in the poorest of poor conditions. The project was later expanded to all income brackets, but for the sake of this story we are talking about families living in abject poverty.) Once the families were identified and an in-depth survey was taken, I would then spend a day with them photographing everything in their home. The idea is to show, for instance, what family living on a dollar a day in rural Malawi would use for a toilet, what a poor family in Haiti might have for dinner and what a farmer in Burkina Faso might use instead of toothpaste.

For me, one of my favorite things to photograph as part of this project was children’s favorite toys. I liked it so much I had to start not just photographing the toy itself, but a portrait of the child and the toy. From balls that were made from trashed plastic bags to pets to sticks and stones and what we might call just plain garbage. Watching a kid laugh and smile from nothing more than rolling a discarded tire down a dirt road or cuddle a doll that has seen better days is truly fun and inspiring. I hope that these photos can serve as a reminder that we really don't need much to be happy as long as we have our imaginations.

This story is designed to give a very brief look at photos and information collected as part of a much, much larger project on how families live all around the world. To see a much more in depth look at how these families live, what their lives look like and more detailed statistics on their jobs, incomes etc, please visit: https://www.gapminder.org/dollar-street/ This is also part of a larger piece published by Extraordinary Vision Magazine which you can find out more about and subscribe to at https://extraordinary-vision.com/free-issues

Each photo lists the country of origin, the monthly income of the family converted to US dollars and what the toy is (as some photos may not be self explanatory.)

In Haiti living on about $21.5 per month for a family of four. A small car built out of an old bottle and soda caps.

In India living on about $66 per month for a family of five. A pet rabbit.

In Malawi living on about $22 per month for a family of twelve. A toy doll.

In Burkina Faso, living on about $24 per month for a family of six. A discarded tire.

In India living on about $390 per month for a family of nine. A plastic action figure.

In India living on about $12 per month for a family of six. A plastic bottle.

In Malawi living on about $22 per month for a family of twelve. A marble.

In The Ivory Coast living on about $65 per month for a family of ten. A hollow stick and a regular stick used to shoot small pebbles like a gun.

In Haiti living on no income, aid and assistance only, for a family of eight. A set of marbles.

In Bolivia living on about $387 per month for a family of six. A football.

In Burkina Faso living on about $17 per month for a family of seven. A broken plastic doll.

In Colombia living on about $103 per month for a family of seven. A string used a jump rope.

In The Ivory Coast living on about $143 per month for a family of ten. A broken plastic pistol toy.

In India living on about $45 per month for a family of five. A doll missing its arms.

In Colombia living on about $308 per month for a family of six. A pet cat.

In Tunisia living on about $54 per month for a family of four. per month for a family of seven. A military uniform and hat.

September 17, 2015

The Chernobyl Small Group Photography Workshop for this winter is official and due to a recent cancelation I have one spot left! If you are interested you can contact us for more information or an application. We will not only be photographing the abandoned landscape of Chernobyl but also spending time photographing the dwindling number of settlers who have come back to live out their final days in the Exclusion Zone.

My Chernobyl workshops have become some of my most popular and this will truly be a once in a lifetime experience.

The abandoned swimming pool in Pripyat will be one of the many, many things we will photograph during the workshop.

We will spend time with settlers and photograph their intensely visual but dying way of life.

Workshops

Support Independent Journalism

The important events and issues I cover aren't always the subjects that sell to corporate media. These human stories need your support and funding to be told. The cost of travel, food, accommodations, and equipment is substantial. Please donate what you can to help me tell these stories to the world.

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:: ZORIAH'S :: PORTFOLIO

Testimonials

"A riveting, unflinching set of some of the most poignant photography I've ever come across." No. Nein

"In the great Magnum tradition!" David Lewis-Baker

"His commitment to photojournalism can not be denied. I am certain he will secure a place amongst some of our best." JR Photography

"I've seen many war photos and met a few war photographers, but Zoriah's work deeply touched me." Globe Visions

"Zoriah Miller, In looking through his materials on his website, no one could debate the fact that he is enormously talented as a photographer, there's no doubt about it. Photographs taken around the world, many in war-torn regions...extremely moving." Laura Ingraham on the Laura Ingraham Show

"It is a eye opener to view your work, it brings strong emotions when doing so. Your work reflects an other side of the world around us and beyond. Its a honour to be your contact and I will use it to find inspiration for myself.
Thanks for sharing these pictures with us."
Frits van Sambeek

"Your work has changed me. It`s such an interesting effect your work has. Amazing art, it also informs so specifically, precisely." Roberto Eiti

"Zoriah`s pictures keep me breathless. They are shocking and at the same time they have an attraction which makes me come back to look at them again and again. Zoriah`s work has my full respect. Chapeau!" T. Klick

"Your amazing photos take me away from my comfort zone, and I confess I need that. Thank you for being out there and show all of us what is going on beyond our comfortable lives. Please, be safe as much as possible." Itmelo

" Zoriah, your pictures bring out so many emotions in me, I'm at a loss for words. They are heart wrenching and thought provoking...thank you for sharing!" Roxy Millado-Duguay

The iraq night patrol series was one of the most frightening photo-series I've seen about war.
Zoriah pushed war photography in another dimension. You suddenly start appreciating your own life knowing that millions of
other souls don't even know how to survive the next night." Dan cinematographer/Berlin

"There's a deep meaning in every photo, you've been at the right time and place.
Some photos made me cry, and at the same time I was happy to see such a photostream ! It's one of a kind. Thank you so much for sharing.." Hanan Iaway

"Zoriah is a REAL photographer...Thank you Zoriah for showing us the truth." Bluto Blutarski

"Your work is beyond words. Almost to point of emotional breakpoint."
Chieska

"You have some outstanding work! I checked your site and I understand why you have won awards. You really cover your subject matter with an expert eye, very inspiring and eye opening. I will check back often!"
Dvdell Photo

"Incredible not just because they are excellent photographs but because they are frighteningly honest. I hope you continue to make these strong, thought provoking records and that you stay safe in what must be incredibly difficult situations, both physically and emotionally."
JimboTF

"It would be somewhat of an understatement to say I was impressed with your work. We obviously know how dangerous it is to be involved in that theater (Iraq.) I'm sure that every moment of every day is just on the verge of chaotic for what is that war (war?) if not the ultimate of chaos? And yet you have these moments where you pause to compose image of graphic quality equal to content.
Admire all you compositional skills but am especially taken by the wideangle work. Do your best to do so and know you're held in high esteem." Cyclops-Optic

"I have to confess, that I couldn't sleep properly after seeing your photos the first time. These images are still in my mind and won't let me go." Vic

"There is a great passion in every single shot and I’m very impressed, sad, shocked, touched, deeply moved, frightened and inspired in the same way.You are documenting a very important episode of history. Your pictures speak for themselves and your work is beyond words. Your work is not easy as it is difficult to photograph people in distress. However, it concerns us all and we shall not forget!" Victoria

"Into the very depths of my soul. I cannot begin to even sum up with words, the depths of how your images reach out to me.
It brings me down to earth and reminds me as to why I picked up the camera in the first place. Your works are truly inspiring. You're very privileged to have to see these places with your own eyes, observe and capture through your lens the true state of the world we live in. As for now, for me, it'll have to be through your eyes, your pictures and the stories they tell. Truly honored," Itzhar

"There is a hunger to know the truth about war and your accurate presentation of it is exemplary.
I don't believe it possible to be unmoved by your images. This is especially true for those of us who live in a very different world, essentially free from the suffering and carnage you portray. Thank you for your dedication and courage.
You are making and incredible contribution to world understanding, hopefully not at an extreme cost to yourself. War photography seems like a hard way to make a living on many levels. Living and breathing civilian trauma is not easy but it is more localized. You can get away from it by driving or moving to another location, but with war there is no escape. The reality is so harsh and overwhelmingly pervasive into all areas of life. Stay safe. Many will be following you." Phopper Nowlin

"Thanks, Zoriah, for your hard work and incredible vision, and for the inspiration your example lends to others who have put down the gun, or never carried one." eL Bz

"All I can say: 'It's very, very impressive.' Keep up the good work. The world must know!" Mulder Photography

"Oh my God! His work is very dramatic! Reporting reality in a way never before seen ...I am impressed." Primo Tacca Neto, Brazil

"Your images are so profound - they have so much depth and feeling attached to them. I have much admiration for those who are willing to risk their own safety in order to capture images such as the ones you do." Luke, UK

"After watching your pics... I´m absolutely tired. Exhausted. Sooooo much information inside them. One day, I will make pictures like yours, but it will take me three or four lives to learn to do it.
Not great but incredible work. Thanks for showing us all the way. Master." Jose Manuel, Spain

"I feel honored after I have seen your great work; one day maybe, with more time I hope I will also be able to take the picture I like, going to those place where a photographer contribute can be of a help to improve the quality of life of all those people suffering. Thank you again" Piero

"Your images work so well. One thing I would love you to photograph in an ideal world: The impeachment and sentencing of Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, George Bush, Paul Wolfowitz and team for international war crimes. Those pictures would make a fitting end to your middle east series. Keep doing your thing, you are making a difference." Dan

"All Wars are very bad and nobody wins...your photographs are very impressive. Congratulations!" Engin Gerçek

"Thank you. Your work is amazing, photojournalism is my most desired form of photography. The stories, emotions, and sights your photographs bring to their audience are moving, maddening, touching, frightening - all the things good photojournalism does. Rock on." Podolux

"Powerfoul work. It catches visually my attention, and after some pictures I was inmersed in the humanity, the pain, the fight it reflects. Thanks for sharing this work!" Alejocock

"You are an amazing photographer. I look forward to following your work." Professor Brian Morley, Ph.D

"Your work is absolutely amazing, I love it because it´s hard and beautiful at the same time, you have the most amazing eye, congratulations." Mirelle B

"I am often full of words, but tonight your photos have left me speechless. I cannot even begin to imagine the things you've seen. May God keep your heart as you bare your soul through your captures." Michelle

"Really, I can't stress how I admire your work. Your photos really move me. I like photography for its beauty, but how you embed meaning in your photos, is just MIND-BLOWING." Screaming Snapshots

"Your photos are incredible, for me photojournalism is the most important form of photography, risking your life to show the world real life is crucial." Colin

"Nothing makes me cry these days, too complicated to explain, but having just looked at your photos I am sobbing. I can honestly say they are most shocking and at the same time touching photos I have ever seen. You made me think not just of the subject matter but the situation, atmosphere and also how you felt observing and photographing. Thank you for sharing, truly moved." Anonymous

"Your photographs are incredible, powerful and touching. I admire that you have a background in humanitarian aid." Terence

"Congratulations for your work, your images give us a glampse about what war is about. Humiliation, pain, only for interests. You make this horrible thing seem human. Thank you." Rafael de Carvalho

"I find these kinds of life photos as heartbreaking as those which vulgarly show death and destruction. Such good capture, it tells a whole story..." Petit1ze

"Superb photojournalistic images you have in your gallery! Compels me to comment on almost each one. Let them speak for themselves because they really don't need comments. They yet deserve to be deeply appreciated for all their quality. Hope to see more of your fantastic work soon." Mario Proenca

"I've often tried to express this practice, but a photo is worth more than my words." W. Quatman

"I've always thought that photographs are a kind of self portrait of the photographer. I appreciate your eye and sensibility and the work you do to make the act of war real to the rest of us I mentioned your "eye," your heart is just as visible in your images." Jerry Downs Photographer

"Simply excelent! It's a great reportage of a difficult situation." Rancescamare • "Stunning!" Matteo de Mayda • "Deserves to take a well earned place in history in the company of Phillip Jones-Griffith, Don Mc Cullen, Larry Burrows and Robert Capa. The minimal presentation of his work is perfect...the viewer fills in the details, and the images linger stubbornly in the memory, to awake one from sleep in a cold sweat...these images cannot be taken in in one viewing...the viewer returns restlessly again and again, attempting to process the information...this is really happening. Iconic, compelling images of war by a true professional.... I take my hat off to him." Goddessofxanadu

"A chilling commentary on the madness of war, ALL WAR." Ronzig's Gallery

"Right up there with Robert Capa. Wonderful work, you should be with MAGNUM. You are showing all sides of the conflict." Old Rollei

"Haunting beyond words." Yarnahoy

"Hugely thought provoking work." Leah Franchetti

"What you are doing is so, so important. I cannot even contemplate what horror and pain you have seen. But see it we must.
True dedication and bravery is the only way to expose such inhumanity. Keep truth as your motto, and maybe this silly world we live in will someday wake up and treat people as living souls, not simply pieces of meat to be traded in worthless pointless conflicts. I salute you sir." Jim Bodownie

"Simply excellent! It's a great reportage of a difficult situation."Frances Camare

"I am awed by these images. Some rank among the best millitary images I've ever seen, and I've collected all the greats." Konsum Terra

"I am in awe. I really don't know what to say. I haven't been this affected since I saw Nachtweys work." Dude Crush

"It is a eye opener to view your work, it brings strong emotions when doing so. Your work reflects another side of the world around us and beyond. I will use it to find inspiration for myself. Thanks for sharing these pictures with us." Frits van Sambeek

"Amazing! difficult to stomach (I am very emotional)... but just brilliant and captivating. Thanks for sharing all your photos..."
Penelope Gan

"A photograph is like a symbol for all the frightening aspects of a disastrous war that brings so much suffering to so many innocent people on both sides.
Great, valuable, artful, high class photography that shows the true face of what is going on in Iraq after the "Holy Mission" was declared completed so long time ago.
I bow in respect of your great work."
Helmut Schadt